Designed for the Dump?

We have all heard the stories of how, once upon a time, there was a Television Set, that had lasted for decades in the family. I had often heard name “Sony Electronics” a lot, personally, who’s sets would last for about 10-15 years

There was an era when, like in the 1980s, brands were more so recognised and appreciated for their durability and quality in their components, especially, many Japanese brands, who topped the list for the best electronic products.

However, over time, there seems to have been a change in the fundamentals and fashion of electronics’ shopping and there are possibly many reasons for that...

Just to highlight a few:

1. Profits : As corporations grow, they do not have a choice but to keep this expansive momentum growing. If and when companies made their first sale, then the likelihood of the customer returning does increase, due to loyalty, if customer satisfactions are met and general shopping habits. There is a comfort established due to the familiarity to that particular brand now. 

But, say, if the products did last longer then, the returning customers won’t be seen on horizon very soon, and the momentum of the purchases is likely to decrease and the likelihood of a sale diminishes to the distant future. 

2. Technological Advancement : There has truly been a paradigm shift in the growth of technology. The engineering of the software of electronics has taken over the hardware and as a result, the same hardware has possibly been reduced to redundancy as it’s been unable to keep up with the new and shinier software upgrades that keep coming up. 

Yes, we are revolutionising our generation and the human race continues to progress over time, however, the cost of these changes and growths present themselves in the high rates of obsolescence. And as history holds witness, these obsolete products have gone no where, but to the dump yard.

As I ponder on these matter I do share some Food For Thought, that I believe could help with digging deeper, in this science of Dumping.

1. Could the same hardware be retained, keeping up with the consistent softwares upgrades??

2. A Take Back programmes with brands to keep a open streamline between customer and company, holding both, environmentally accountable.

3. Every electronic sold should be connected to a recycling programme.

The world generated approx 50 million tonnes of E-waste in 2020. This will just keep increasing as electronics continue to play a pivotal role in our daily lives.

Hence the question...

To be Dumped or Not to be...

Well...’Tis is no question...please recycle! :)

I would love to here your suggestions on how to tackle this e-waste problem further and dumping, so please do share your views in comment section.

And also, please share similar stories like the dated Sony Television...did you have any electronics that lasted for decades?? :)